RED BANK, NJ — Count Basie Center for the Arts is inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a large-scale, community-centered mural project as part of the organization’s Centennial Celebration.
Titled “A Guardian of Culture & Creativity: Where Legacy Meets the People Who Hold It,” the project will result in a permanent public mural designed to reflect the Basie Center’s century-long relationship with the community.
The mural will incorporate themes identified through community engagement, including unity, joy, healing, creativity, cultural legacy and belonging.
The selected artist will work collaboratively with the Basie Center and members of the community to create a mural that honors the organization’s history by capturing the lived experiences, memories, and voices of the people connected to it.
“This mural will help us celebrate 100 years by creating a symbol of what the arts mean to this community,” said Samantha Giustiniani, Vice President of Education & Outreach at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
“We want the final piece to demonstrate the impact the Basie Center has by reflecting the thoughts and feelings of the people who come through our doors as performers, students, teachers and patrons,” Giustiniani continued. “Our goal is to create a mural that feels welcoming, collaborative, and deeply connected to the community we serve.”
The Basie Center is especially interested in artists with experience in murals, public art, and community-engaged creative work.
The selected artist will also help facilitate opportunities for public participation, including community paint days and collaborative design elements.
The project timeline is expected to begin in May 2026, with installation and community activation planned for summer 2026.
The submission deadline is June 15. Finalists will be notified by June 30.
For full application details and mural wall photos, you can click here.
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